The Ketchum keystone. [volume] (Ketchum, Idaho) 1885-1899, 1887-09-17
10000 WOMEN KNIGHTS.
4 Strong 0ganisation in New York
that Protects it, 0embera

Where and for what purposes
In the city of New York and for self
protection.
Like the Amazons, they are ready to
assert and defend their rights, but not as
ley did-with the sword This organ
led body is composed of the working
omen of the city, led to organize for
self-protection by the success attained by
workingmen.'s organizations.
These and other equally interesting
facts were obtained to-day by the writer
regarding the wOrkingwomen here, what
hey are doing for themselves and what
as being done for them, through inquiry
suggested by report from Boston that
a movement has been quietly projected in
labor circles for the organization of NO.
men and girls on a trades union basis,
similar to the existing organization of
trades among men. 1t was learned that
herc fer the past five years the trades
women have been quietly organizing until
to day there 10000 of them organized
into distinct local assemblies of the
Knights Of Labor, and that 10000 more
hre active members Of the local assem-
blies of that order to which men also be
long. and Of trades unions. For instance,
of the local assemblies composed of and
wholly governed by women there are the
drcssmakers, who have been organized
for over four years. Another local as
scmbly is composed Of the female carpet
weRvers and has been in existence over
three years. Of more recent formation
are the shirt makers, shirt ironers' and
umbrella makers assemblies, all ia a
tlourshing condition. Chief Of the trades
union composed entirely Of women is that
of the paper box makers, which has been
in existence several years.
A notable fact in regard to these assem-
blies is the active and intelligent part
which girls from 10 to go years Of age
take in the proceedings.
"You would he surprised at the re-
marks that are made and the dignity and
intelligence with which these meetings
are conducted" SAID Mrs. Elizabeth DE
lescluze, a leading Knight of Labor, and
one who is deeply interested IN women
wagcwOrkers. IL have heard clear and
intelligent speeches made at these meet
ings by girls not more than IL or 30 years
Of age when the regular time arrived for
general talk on the subject or labor and
ali its interests. l have. indeed, been
surprised to see how many of these young
women understand the scientific princl
Piles Of society, and of production, con-
sumption and distribution and the moral
position of women. At first, naturally,
it is a difficult thing for them to address
such a gathering, not being fluent of
speech in such public position. But
they are getting more and more accus-
toned to that Men have no part in the
formation or management of these assem-
blies. The women elect master work
man from among their own number. who
is in some cases called II president. Some
times The assembly takes special name,
rs for instance, the shirt-ironers, who are
known, als'', as the LADY Lock wood As
ISOLATION" Otherwise their meetings and
their assemblies generally are conducted
the same as those of the men.
MEN NEErED, OF COURSE.
"Ilave you noticed any changes in the
workingwomen since they began to or
ganize in this way?"
ayes, a wonderful improvement. They
are more clear headed, they think more
inteligently, and altogether the educat-
ing influence is marked. One fact is
particularly noticeable 1t is that asperi-
ties are smoothed away and that one will
admit the opinion of another"
"Are men allowed to attend these meet
iDgsi"
ayes. Of course they must be men,
bers of the order and in good standing.
The rules of these meetings as to behavior
are very strict. The master workman has
the power to escort to the door any visitor
who misbehavcs himself But this is
never necessary. have seen the rough
est of freight handlers come into these
meetings and behave with as much de.
cOrum as if in church. Another great
advantage to the workingwoman by thus
organizing is found when travelling, for
whatever city they happen to be in, or
however low their funds may be, they
can always find friendly group to greet
and aid them
"How large are some of these meetings
you speak Off"
Naturally they vary considerably. /
recall that as long ago as when first ad-
dressed the dressmakers' local there were
300 present. An interesting fact in con-
nection with this local is that its master
workman went to st. Louis a while ago
as foreman of large establishment and
shortly after married the proprietor"
"Does not the natural shyness of women
keep many from joining these bodiesl"
ut is fact that many are prevented
from joining and that it is difficult
thing. as a rule, to get women into locals
But the chief reason is the fear that their
employers will find 1t out and not like it.
But despite this the number of members
is constantly increasing, and women who
write, authoresses, teachers and even
women of wealth, are joining, the latter
particularly out of sympathy for the
working girls and to give them all the
aid they CAM
us there any sociallstic tendency no.
ticed in these assemblies2"
mo. There may be a socialist here
and there among the members but no
socialistic ideas prevail. In their objects
and purposes the trades women 10y organ
1zing mean no menace to society and no
harm to any decent employer. You
would be amszed if you could know how
well they understand and appreciate the
difficulty it is for manufacturers To keep
their heads above water sometimes in n